Universities as Pillars of Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
First in a Series of Four
By Genevieve B. Kupang
Last May 28, 2025, Baguio Central University (BCU) hosted the Boot Camp UN SDG 16 & 17. It is part of the RISE 2025: ICREATE IMPACT Summit, integrating the interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary international conference alongside SDG Boot Camps. Central to this gathering is the advancement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). The masters of ceremonies for this segment were Ms. Sheenah Pearl Pangda and Dr. Janice Alejandrino.
A Convergence of Voices for Peace and Justice
The boot camp featured a diverse roster of speakers who brought unique perspectives and expertise to the critical themes of peace building, justice, institutional integrity, and collaborative partnerships.
Ginhawa for the Soul: Indigenous Sounds for Peace
Ms. Mini Gavino opened the dialogue by exploring “Ginhawa for the Soul: Indigenous Sounds for Peace,” emphasizing the healing power of Filipino indigenous music and rituals in addressing trauma and fostering reconciliation. This highlighted the importance of cultural wisdom in peace efforts.
Diverse musical instruments, including a healing bowl from Nepal, were used by Mini Gavino to guide participants in attuning to the peaceful rhythm of their hearts, harmonizing with the soothing sounds of the Asian healing bowl. Photo Credit: The Chronicle Publication.
Mini, the first workshop facilitator, is a passionate advocate for holistic well-being and inner peace. She is a skilled wellness practitioner and musician known for her transformative work with Ginhawa, a movement dedicated to personal and collective healing. Drawing from her rich background as a former member of Kontragapi at the University of the Philippines and her mastery of traditional Filipino and Asian instruments such as the kubing, kulintang, drum, and nose flute, Mini blended indigenous music with sound healing to create deeply calming and restorative experiences for the participants.
Her session combined ancient wisdom using the various musical instruments, creating a holistic experience that touches the mind, body, and spirit. Known for her calming presence and intuitive guidance, Mini has become a trusted mentor for those seeking meaningful transformation. Mahadia Abu Dalal, a fellow resource speaker and a participant expressed:
“I would like to express my gratitude for being part of the RISE 2025 Plenary and Boot Camp for SDGs 16 & 17, held at the WCC ATC Cabin Hall. It was inspiring to engage with fellow advocates and change-makers who are deeply committed to peace, justice, and strengthening institutions. I learned that peace-building can take many forms yet remain interconnected—ranging from indigenous sounds for peace to nonviolent journalism. The ideas shared made me reflect on the vital role local voices play in advancing global sustainable development.
I appreciated the event’s inclusive and warm atmosphere. The speakers were excellent, and their ability to improvise despite challenges—such as the energy brownout that day—was truly impressive. Their willingness to share knowledge captivated me, and the space created for people from diverse cultures to converse made the experience even more meaningful.
Beyond the Festival of Peace and the nonviolent journalism workshop, I hope future collaborations will include training on advocacy and trauma healing, as well as interfaith and intercultural dialogue led by students and community members.”
Mini Gavino’s segment is a reminder that healing is a lifelong journey, and she invites all to embark on this path with open hearts and a spirit of gratitude, celebrating the profound connection between sound, culture, and the human spirit. She guided the participants to practice mindfulness, presence, and the power of breath, inviting individuals to reconnect with their authentic selves and cultivate resilience. Through her workshop, Mini fosters safe, nurturing spaces where participants can explore their spiritual journeys and embrace healing as a lifelong path.
Boot Camp SDG 16 & 17 participants from BCU and WCC ATC led by Dr. Genevieve B. Kupang, each holding their indigenous musical instruments, gather to pose for posterity—celebrating “Ginhawa for the Soul: Indigenous Sounds for Peace,” a powerful reminder of the healing and unifying spirit of traditional music in peace building. Photo credit: Sonny Boy Ancheta.
Local and Global Cooperation, Knowledge Exchange, and Strengthening of Institutions Capacities for Sustainable Development
Dr. Michael T. Sebullen invokes Pope Paul VI’s timeless moral imperative: “If you want peace, work for justice.” This profound message underscores his vision for SDG 16, reminding us that true peace is rooted in justice and the strengthening of institutions. Photo Credit: The Chronicle Publication.
Dr. Michael Sebullen, the second speaker, opened with a reflection: “Let’s think together: How do we translate this goal into practice across different settings and sectors?” He emphasized that “True peace cannot exist without justice. Peace is not merely the absence of conflict, but the presence of fairness, equality, and respect for human rights. To create a peaceful society, individuals and institutions must ensure justice—by protecting rights, holding the powerful accountable, and addressing inequality.”
He further explained, “SDG 16 calls on us to build peaceful and inclusive societies, ensure access to justice, and establish effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions. Without justice, peace is fragile. And without strong institutions, justice remains out of reach for many.
The urgency of SDG 16 has never been clearer. Around the world—and even within our own communities—we witness rising conflict, corruption, human rights violations, and growing mistrust in leadership. Unstoppable crimes such as sexual violence, exploitation, child abuse, and torture continue to devastate the most vulnerable: women, children, and the elderly. According to UNDP data, by the end of 2017, over 68 million people were forcibly displaced due to conflict and persecution, while 49 countries still lack laws protecting women from domestic violence.
We live in a divided world: some regions thrive under good governance, while others suffer repression; some enjoy peace, while others endure agony. To achieve all 17 SDGs, prioritizing justice and peace is essential.
Peace begins locally but must connect globally. At Baguio Central University, we strive to bridge this divide through community-based conflict resolution and international collaboration. Our partnerships with organizations like World Without Wars and Violence, the World Council of Churches (WCC), aSSIST University, and the Geneva School of Management enable us to exchange knowledge, resources, and peacebuilding models—strengthening our work both at home and abroad.
One of our proudest achievements was co-hosting the 3rd World March for Peace – Philippine Leg in 2024, alongside Dr. Kupang. This event was a symphony of global harmony, bringing together communities, students, educators, and peace advocates in a powerful celebration of nonviolence and solidarity. It was more than symbolic—it sparked real conversations, forged genuine partnerships, and renewed our collective commitment to peace.
Dr. Sebullen highlighted, “At BCU, we believe that transparent, inclusive, and accountable institutions are vital to peace and development. Through faculty and student engagement in peace education, digital systems for reporting and participation, and values-driven leadership programs, we strengthen institutional integrity. Our efforts go beyond capacity-building—they restore public trust and prepare future leaders grounded in civic responsibility and ethical service.”
He challenged participants with these questions:
What local practices from your own setting can inspire global strategies for peace and justice?
How can we make institutional capacity-building more inclusive and sustainable?
What tools or platforms can help us share knowledge and scale impact?
This is where real collaboration begins—not just in talking, but in listening, co-creating, and taking collective action, he said.
Universities as Pillars of Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions. Credit: Christian Charles E. Baguingey (Baguio Central University).
Dr. Sebullen underscored the vital role universities play in bridging local knowledge with global frameworks, advocating for sustainable institutions that combat corruption and uphold justice. His insights reinforced the crucial role academic institutions have as catalysts for societal transformation aligned with SDG 16.
Esteemed speakers and workshop facilitators of the RISE 2025 Boot Camp (SDG #16 & #17): Online speakers: Mr. Antonio Carvallo (UK), Mr. Javier Tolcachier (Argentina).
Standing, left to right: Dr. Jude William Genilo (Bangladesh); Dr. Genevieve B. Kupang (BCU); Ms. Mini Gavino (Ginhawa, Inc.); Mrs. Mahadia Abu Dalal (Gazan Refugee/Peace Advocate); Dr. Michael T. Sebullen (BCU).
To our dear readers, stay tuned for the next installment, where you will hear from the other speakers featured above.
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About the Author:
Dr. Genevieve B. Kupang is the organizer of the RISE 2025 ICREATE IMPACT SDG Boot Camp for SDG 16 and 17, held in May 2025 at the WCC ATC. She serves as the Peace Education Coordinator for the World Council for Curriculum and Instruction (WCCI) and is a Leadership Team Member of the Exceptional Women of Peace (EWOP) Awards under Pathways to Peace (PTP). Dr. Kupang is also the International Relations Officer and Dean of the Graduate School at Baguio Central University.
